Liberty’s first title
New York City celebrated the NY Liberty’s first-ever WNBA championship with a vibrant ticker-tape parade on Thursday morning. Fans filled the streets of Lower Manhattan to cheer on the team following their thrilling overtime victory against the Minnesota Lynx in Game 5 of the 2024 WNBA Finals, a historic showdown that will be remembered as the first winner-takes-all overtime game in the league’s finals history.
The Liberty’s long-awaited championship, 28 years in the making, sparked an outpouring of joy throughout the city. Thursday’s parade marked the third time New York has hosted a ticker-tape parade for a women’s sports team, with the Canyon of Heroes once again becoming the center of celebration. From Battery Park to City Hall, confetti rained down as Liberty stars, including Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart, and Sabrina Ionescu, waved to their ecstatic fans.
The parade began at 10 a.m., with a procession up Broadway through the Financial District. Thousands of supporters, many wearing Liberty green and navy, lined the streets to witness their champions being honored for their remarkable achievement. At the center of it all was Jonquel Jones, who earned Finals MVP honors after her standout performance in the decisive game. Holding the championship trophy high, Jones was greeted by cheers as she and her teammates made their way to City Hall for a celebratory ceremony.
A Game and a Title for the Ages
The Liberty’s path to the championship culminated in Sunday night’s unforgettable Game 5, where they narrowly defeated the Minnesota Lynx in overtime. The victory secured the franchise’s first WNBA title, with Jonquel Jones dominating both ends of the floor and leading her team to glory. Her efforts throughout the series earned her the Finals MVP award, a recognition of her outstanding contributions and leadership.
Speaking to fans at City Hall, Jones reflected on the significance of the moment: “This title is about chasing your dreams one step at a time and staying in the moment.” Her words were met with thunderous applause as she led the crowd in a chant of the team’s mantra: “We all we got! We all we need!”
A Celebration Fit for Champions
After the parade, the Liberty were welcomed to City Hall, where Mayor Eric Adams and other city officials congratulated the team on their historic accomplishment. Mayor Adams praised the Liberty for their determination and for bringing pride to New York City. “This team has embodied everything New York stands for—hard work, resilience, and the will to win. Today, we celebrate a victory that belongs to all of us.”
Players and coaches addressed the crowd, expressing their gratitude to the fans who supported the team throughout the season. Coach Sandy Brondello thanked the Liberty faithful for sticking with the team through every challenge. “This championship wouldn’t have been possible without you,” she said. “You’ve been there every step of the way, and this win is as much yours as it is ours.”
The atmosphere was electric, with Liberty fans reveling in the joy of their team’s achievement. For many, the victory represented more than just a title—it was a triumph for women’s sports and a reflection of the hard work that led to this historic moment.
Jonquel Jones: Bringing the Celebration Home
Jonquel Jones, who was born in the Bahamas, took a moment to acknowledge the pride she felt in representing both New York and her home country. She joked that the next celebration would take place in the Bahamas, inviting fans to join her for another round of festivities. “We’re having a parade back home too!” she exclaimed, drawing cheers from the crowd at City Hall.
The celebrations didn’t end with the parade and City Hall ceremony. Later that evening, Liberty fans gathered at Barclays Center in Brooklyn for a special event to continue the celebration. Though tickets for the City Hall and Barclays events were quickly claimed, thousands of fans tuned in from afar, making it a citywide and nationwide celebration.
As the confetti settled and the parade concluded, the sense of pride and accomplishment lingered. The Liberty’s first WNBA championship has not only made history but also united New York in a way that will be remembered for years to come. This victory isn’t just a win for the Liberty—it’s a victory for New York City, for women’s sports, and for those who believe in the power of perseverance.
